Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

A window and glass cleaning device includes a cleaning head and an
elongated handle configured to be grasped by a user. The handle has a
first end connected to the cleaning head and a second end configured to
be connected to an extension handle. A fluid container is housed by the
handle, and a spray nozzle is carried by said handle at a position
approximate the first end of the handle. A pump is carried by the handle
and connects the fluid container to the spray nozzle. The pump includes a
pump actuator. An electric motor is carried by the handle and is
operatively connected to pump actuator to drive the pump actuator in the
pumping of fluid from the container through the spray nozzle. A power
source and an electric switch are carried by the handle. The electrical
switch is operatively connected to the power source and to the electric
motor and is operable by the user to connect the power source to the
electric motor to facilitate the pumping of said fluid through said spray
nozzle.

Claims:

1. A glass and window cleaning apparatus, comprising: a cleaning head; an
elongated handle configured to be grasped by a user, said handle having a
first end connected to said cleaning head and a second end configured to
be connected to an extension handle; a fluid container housed by said
handle; a spray nozzle carried by said handle at a position approximate
said first end of said handle; a pump carried by said handle, said pump
connecting said fluid container to said spray nozzle, said pump including
a pump actuator; an electric motor carried by said handle and operatively
connected to said pump actuator to drive said pump actuator in the
pumping of fluid from said container through said spray nozzle; a power
source carried by said handle; an electric switch carried by said handle
and operatively connected to said power source and said electric motor,
said switch operable by the user to connected said power source to said
electric motor to facilitate the pumping of said fluid through said spray
nozzle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cleaning head includes a
cleaning implement and a squeegee blade positioned on opposite sides of
said cleaning head.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cleaning head is pivotally
connected to said first end of said handle.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said container is removable received
by said handle.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said container is integral with said
handle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an extension handle
connected to said handle at said second end thereof; a secondary electric
switch carried by said extension handle and operatively connected to said
power source and said electric motor, said secondary switch operable by
the user to connected said power source to said electric motor to
facilitate the pumping of said fluid through said spray nozzle.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said cleaning head includes a
cleaning implement and a squeegee blade positioned on opposite sides of
said cleaning head.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said cleaning head is pivotally
connected to said first end of said handle.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said container is removable received
by said handle.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said container is integral with
said handle.

11. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said second end of said handle
includes a female receiving space and wherein said extension handle and
said female receiving space are configured for cooperative engagement
such that said extension handle is fixedly connected to said handle.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said cleaning head includes a
cleaning implement and a squeegee blade positioned on opposite sides of
said cleaning head.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said cleaning head is pivotally
connected to said first end of said handle.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said container is removable
received by said handle.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electric motor is a solenoid.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: an extension handle
connected to said handle at said second end thereof; a secondary electric
switch carried by said extension handle and operatively connected to said
power source and said solenoid, said secondary switch operable by the
user to connected said power source to said solenoid to facilitate the
pumping of said fluid through said spray nozzle.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said second end of said handle
includes a female receiving space and wherein said extension handle and
said female receiving space are configured for cooperative engagement
such that said extension handle is fixedly connected to said handle.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said cleaning head includes a
cleaning implement and a squeegee blade positioned on opposite sides of
said cleaning head.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said cleaning head is pivotally
connected to said first end of said handle.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said container is removable
received by said handle.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/301,267, filed Feb. 4, 2010, the entire of which is incorporated
herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to cleaning implements, and
more particularly, relating to a window and glass cleaning apparatus
including the automated dispensing of a cleaning fluid and including
several embodiments of cleaning heads having multiple cleaning implement
arrangements, and including several accessory attachments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Cleaning windows and glass can be a time consuming and laborious
choir. There exists numerous cleaning devices and squeegee blades of a
myriad of constructions directed towards reducing the effort and time
required to clean windows and glass. However, there remains a need for a
window and glass cleaning apparatus of an improved construct which
overcomes the drawbacks of the existing cleaning devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The preferred embodiments of the present invention addresses this
need by providing a window and glass cleaning apparatus of an improved
construction and including the automated dispensing of a cleaning fluid,
several cleaning head configurations, and accessory attachments.

[0005] In general, in one aspect, the window and glass cleaning device
includes a cleaning head and an elongated handle configured to be grasped
by a user. The handle has a first end connected to the cleaning head and
a second end configured to be connected to an extension handle. A fluid
container is housed by the handle, and a spray nozzle is carried by said
handle at a position approximate the first end of the handle. A pump is
carried by the handle and connects the fluid container to the spray
nozzle. The pump includes a pump actuator. An electric motor is carried
by the handle and is operatively connected to pump actuator to drive the
pump actuator in the pumping of fluid from the container through the
spray nozzle. A power source and an electric switch are carried by the
handle. The electrical switch is operatively connected to the power
source and to the electric motor and is operable by the user to connect
the power source to the electric motor to facilitate the pumping of said
fluid through said spray nozzle.

[0006] In general, in another aspect, the cleaning head includes a
cleaning implement and a squeegee blade positioned on opposite sides of
said cleaning head.

[0007] In general, in another aspect, the cleaning head is pivotally
connected to said first end of said handle.

[0008] In general, in another aspect, the container is removable received
by said handle.

[0009] In general, in another aspect, the container is integral with said
handle.

[0010] In general, in another aspect, an extension handle is connected to
the handle at the second end thereof. A secondary electric switch is
carried by the extension handle and is operatively connected to the power
source and the electric motor and is operable by the user to connect the
power source to the electric motor to facilitate the pumping of the fluid
through the spray nozzle.

[0011] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a
reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but
nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable
of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be
regarded as limiting.

[0012] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized
as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for
carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the present invention.

[0013] For a better understanding of the invention, its operating
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference
should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in
which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the
invention and together with the description serve to explain the
principles of the invention, in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
glass and window cleaning apparatus constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating an accessory in the form of an extension
handle;

[0017]FIG. 3a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the container removed from the handle
through a front reception through the handle;

[0018]FIG. 3b illustrates side view of a first replaceable covering for
attachment to the base of the cleaning implement of the apparatus of FIG.
1;

[0019]FIG. 3c illustrates side view of a second replaceable covering for
attachment to the base of the cleaning implement of the apparatus of FIG.
1;

[0020]FIG. 3d illustrates side view of a third replaceable covering for
attachment to the base of the cleaning implement of the apparatus of FIG.
1;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the container removed from the handle
through a rear reception through the handle;

[0022]FIG. 5a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the container as a pump container and in
use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle;

[0023]FIG. 5b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the container as an aerosol container
and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle;

[0024]FIG. 6a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
second embodiment of the apparatus;

[0025]FIG. 6b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 6a illustrating the container as an aerosol container
and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle;

[0026]FIG. 7a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
third embodiment of the apparatus;

[0027]FIG. 7b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
fourth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0028]FIG. 8a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 7a illustrating the container as an aerosol container
and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle;

[0029]FIG. 8b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 7b illustrating the container as an aerosol container
and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle;

[0030]FIG. 9a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
fifth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0031]FIG. 9b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
sixth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
seventh embodiment of the apparatus;

[0033]FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
additional accessory attachment in the form of a charger for recharging
onboard batteries including an electrical cord exploded from the end
portion;

[0034]FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the cleaning head positioned in the
in-use position where the cleaning head forms a general T-shape with the
handle;

[0035] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the cleaning head positioned in the
storage position where the cleaning head is positioned generally parallel
to the handle;

[0036]FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of an
eighth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0037]FIG. 15 is diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the
apparatus of FIG. 14 illustrating the cleaning head in the storage
position;

[0038]FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
ninth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0039]FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
tenth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0040]FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
eleventh embodiment of the apparatus;

[0041]FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
twelfth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0042]FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
thirteenth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0043]FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
additional accessory attachment in the form of a scraper blade exploded
from end portion; and

[0044]FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
fourteenth embodiment of the apparatus;

[0045]FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
fifteenth embodiment of the apparatus; and

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments
of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic partial side cross
sectional view of the window and glass cleaning apparatus 10 of the
invention. The apparatus 10 includes an elongated handle 12 and an
elongated cleaning head 14. The cleaning head 14 is pivotally connected
to one end of the handle 12 by pivot coupling 13 for rotation about an
axis generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the handle 12. The
cleaning head 14 rotates with respective to the handle 12 between an in
use position where the cleaning head and handle form a T-shape, as best
seen in FIG. 12, and where the cleaning head is positioned along side and
generally parallel to the handle, as best seen in FIG. 13.

[0048] The handle 12 houses a container 16 for holding a cleaning fluid to
be dispensed during operation of the apparatus. The container 16 can be
integrally formed with the handle 12 or alternatively, the container can
be removably positioned within the handle, as shown. The handle 12
further comprises a pump chamber 18 in which is positioned a pump 20 for
dispensing or pumping out the cleaning fluid held within container 16.
The pump 20 connects the container 16 to a spray nozzle 21 through which
the cleaning fluid held within the container is dispensed from during
operation of the pump. The spray nozzle 21 is positioned below the
cleaning head 14. As will be discussed further below, the container 16
may hold the cleaning fluid under pressure, such as an aerosol.
Alternatively, the container 16 may hold the cleaning fluid under
atmospheric pressure. In either instances, the container 16 and the pump
20 are configured for cooperation and the pump is operated to dispense
the cleaning fluid held within the container 16 from the container and
through the spray nozzle 21 for application to a surface to be cleaned.

[0049] While it is possible for the pump 20 to be a manually operated
pump, it is preferred that the pump be electrically operated for user
convenience. In which case, the pump 20 includes a pump actuator 22 that
mechanically drives the pump. An electric motor 24 operatively engages
the pump actuator 22 for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid
held within the container 16. The motor 24 is electrically connected to a
power source, such as batteries 26 held within the handle 12. A switch 28
electrically connects the motor 24 and the power source 26 for
selectively supplying power to the motor. A trigger assembly 30 may be
included and mounted to the handle 12. The trigger assembly 30
operatively engages the switch 28 for selective operation thereof.

[0050] The cleaning head 14 includes a cleaning implement 32 and a
squeegee blade 34. As depicted in FIG. 1, the cleaning implement 32 and
the squeegee blade 34 are positioned on opposite longitudinal sides of
the cleaning head 14, and extend the longitudinal length of the cleaning
head.

[0051] With continued reference to FIG. 1, end portion 36 is removably
attached to the handle 12, for example through a cooperative threaded
engagement, to permit access to power supply or batteries 26 for
replacement. End portion 36 permits the attachment of accessories to the
handle 12 and includes a female receiving space 38 that is cooperatively
engagable to an accessory permitting the connection to handle. Access to
the female receiving space 38 is made through opening 40 formed through
an end of the end portion 36. Opening 40 is selectively closed by a cap
42 that is threadable into the opening 40.

[0052]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 illustrating an accessory in the form of an
extension handle 42. The extension handle 42 is shown exploded from
handle 12. As shown, cap 42 is removed thereby permitting access to the
female receiving space 38 of end portion 36. An end of the extension
handle 42 and the female receiving space 38 are configured for
cooperative engagement to permit fixedly connecting the extension handle
to handle 12. In an aspect, the extension handle 42 can include spring
biased tabs 44 that are cooperatively engagable with shoulder 46 of the
female receiving space 38. In this instance, the end of the extension
handle 42 is inserted through opening 40 and into the female receiving
space 38 which causes tabs 44 to be pressed inwardly towards the
extension handle. Once the extension handle 42 is fully inserted into the
female receiving space 38 of the end portion 36, the tabs 44 engage
shoulder 46 and lock the end of the extension handle within the female
receiving space, and thereby connect the extension handle to the handle
12. Other structures capable of fixedly connecting the extension handle
42 or accessories to handle 12 could also be employed.

[0053] The extension handle 42 includes a secondary electrical switch 48
that is electrically connected to the power source 26 and the motor 24 by
a cooperative electrical connection that is made when the extension
handle 42 is connected to handle 12. The cooperative electrical
connection includes a pair of electrical contacts each including an
electrical contact pad 52 positioned within the female receiving space 38
and an electrical contact pad 54 positioned on the extension handle 42.
Contact pads 52 and 54 of each electrical connection are arranged such
that they are engaged and communicate electrical power when the extension
handle 42 is connected to handle 12. The secondary electrical switch 48
is connected to contact pads 54 of each of the electrical connection by
associated wiring 56 and 58. Likewise, contact pads 52 of each of the
electrical connection are connected to the power supply 26 and the motor
24 by associated wiring (not shown).

[0054]FIG. 3a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 illustrating the container 16 removed from the
handle 12 through a front reception through the handle. Here, the
container 16 is shown as an aerosol type container holding the cleaning
fluid under pressure. The pump 20 and the pump actuator 22 are configured
for cooperative engagement with the nozzle 17 of the container 16 to
connect the container to the spray nozzle 21 and to operate nozzle 17 to
dispense the cleaning fluid from the container and through the spray
nozzle. There exist numerous suitable configurations of the pump actuator
22 in the art that one of ordinary skill would be readily able to select
one of the many available pump actuator configurations for implementation
herein. Further shown is the cleaning implement 32 having a base 60 of a
flexible sponge or absorbent of a conventional type and with a
replaceable covering removed therefrom.

[0055]FIG. 3b illustrates side view of a first replaceable covering 62
for attachment to the base 60. The covering 62 is a general C-shaped
configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base 60 by
inserting the base within the opening 64 of the covering such that the
covering at least partially wraps around the base. The covering 62
includes an absorbent central layer 66, a water proof backing layer 68
and a scrubbing layer 70 consisting of brush bristles 72 extending
continuously around the central layer. The water proof backing layer 68
prevents soiling of the base 60.

[0056]FIG. 3c illustrates side view of a second replaceable covering 74
for attachment to the base 60. The covering 74 is a general C-shaped
configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base 60 by
inserting the base within the opening 76 of the covering such that the
covering at least partially wraps around the base. The covering 76
includes an absorbent central layer 78, a water proof backing layer 80
and a scrubbing layer 82 consisting of brush bristles 84 that partially
extend around the central layer. The water proof backing layer 80
prevents soiling of the base 60.

[0057]FIG. 3d illustrates side view of a third replaceable covering 86
for attachment to the base 60. The covering 86 is a general C-shaped
configuration wherein the covering is attached to the base 60 by
inserting the base within the opening 88 of the covering such that the
covering at least partially wraps around the base. The covering 88
includes an absorbent central layer 90 and a water proof backing layer
92. The water proof backing layer 92 prevents soiling of the base 60.

[0058]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 illustrating the container 16 removed from the
handle 12 through a rear reception through the handle. Here, the
container 16 is shown as pump container holding the cleaning fluid under
atmospheric pressure. The pump and the pump actuator 22 are configured
for cooperative engagement with the conventional pump mechanism 19 of the
container 16 to connect the container to the spray nozzle 21 and to
operate the pump mechanism 19 to dispense the cleaning fluid from the
container and through the spray nozzle. There exists numerous suitable
configurations of the pump actuator 22 in the art that one of ordinary
skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump
actuator configurations for implementation herein.

[0059]FIG. 5a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 illustrating the container 16 as a pump container
and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 21.

[0060]FIG. 5b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 illustrating the container 16 as an aerosol
container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 21.

[0061] Alternative embodiments of the apparatus 10 are possible. FIG. 6a
is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a second
embodiment of the apparatus 200. The same reference numbers, as employed
in the first embodiment, will refer to the same parts, and explanation
thereof in detail will be omitted here. In the apparatus 200 the
electrical motor 24 of pump 20 of the apparatus 10 is replaced with an
alternative pump 220. The pump 220 includes a pump actuator 222 that
mechanically drives the pump. There exists numerous suitable
configurations of the pump actuator 222 in the art that one of ordinary
skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump
actuator configurations for implementation herein. An electric solenoid
actuator 224 operatively engages the pump actuator 222 for operation
thereof and to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container 16.
The switch 28 electrically connects the solenoid actuator 224 and the
power source 26 for selectively supplying power to the solenoid actuator.
Further as shown here, the container 16 is depicted as a pump container
and with the apparatus 200 in use dispensing the cleaning fluid from the
container through spray nozzle 21.

[0062]FIG. 6b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus 200 of FIG. 6a illustrating the container 16 as an aerosol
container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 21.

[0063]FIG. 7a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
third embodiment of the apparatus 300. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. In the apparatus 300
the container 16 and the spray nozzle 20 of the prior embodiments is
replaced with a container 316 that includes a spray nozzle 319 integral
with a container pump 317. Handle 12 is replaced with handle 312. Handle
312 includes a passage or opening 313 that is positioned for cooperative
alignment with the spray nozzle 319 of the container 316 when the
container is positioned within the handle 312. Apparatus 300 includes an
alternative pump 320 having a pump actuator 322 configured for
cooperative engagement with container pump 317 and for mechanically
driving the container pump 317. There exists numerous suitable
configurations of the pump actuator 322 in the art that one of ordinary
skill would be readily able to select one of the many available pump
actuator configurations for implementation herein. An electric solenoid
actuator 324 operatively engages the pump actuator 322 for operation
thereof and to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the container 316.
The switch 28 electrically connects the solenoid actuator 324 and the
power source 26 for selectively supplying power to the solenoid actuator.

[0064]FIG. 7b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
fourth embodiment of the apparatus 400. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. In the apparatus 400
the solenoid actuator 324 is replaced with an electric motor 424. The
switch 28 electrically connects the electric motor 424 and the power
source 26 for selectively supplying power to the electric motor.

[0065]FIG. 8a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus 300 of FIG. 7a illustrating the container 316 as an aerosol
container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 319.

[0066]FIG. 8b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of the
apparatus 400 of FIG. 7b illustrating the container 316 as an aerosol
container and in use dispensing cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle 319.

[0067]FIG. 9a is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
fifth embodiment of the apparatus 500. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. In the apparatus 500
container 16 is replaced with a container 516 formed integrally with
handle 512. Container 516 is not removable from handle 512. Container 516
includes a mouth opening 517 extending through handle 512 and closed by a
removable cap 519. Mouth 517 permits filling of container 516 with a
cleaning fluid for dispensing. Further depicted is a similar pump and
nozzle arrangement of the pump 320 and the nozzle 319 of the third
embodiment 300. However, any pump and nozzle arrangement of any of the
prior embodiments discussed herein could be implemented in the apparatus
500.

[0068]FIG. 9b is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
sixth embodiment of the apparatus 600. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus 600 is the
apparatus 500 of FIG. 9a but with a similar pump and nozzle arrangement
of the pump 420 and the nozzle 419 of the fourth embodiment 400. However,
any pump and nozzle arrangement of any of the prior embodiments discussed
herein could be implemented in the apparatus 600.

[0069]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
seventh embodiment of the apparatus 700. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here.

[0070]FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
additional accessory attachment 100 exploded from end portion 36.
Accessory attachment 100 includes an electrical outlet cord 102 suitable
for plugging into an electrical outlet to provide electrical power to the
apparatus 10 as the power source 26 or to charge the batteries. Accessory
attachment 100 is attachable to the handle 12 in the same manner as the
extension handle 42, as discussed above. To this end, Accessory
attachment 100 includes the same cooperative electrical connection
including the pair of electrical contacts each including an electrical
contact pad 52 positioned within the female receiving space 38 and an
electrical contact pad 54 positioned on the extension handle 42. Contact
pads 52 and 54 of each electrical contact 50 are arranged such that they
are engaged and communicate electrical power when the accessory
attachment 100 is connected to the handle 12.

[0071]FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 illustrating the cleaning head 14 positioned in
the in-use position where the cleaning head forms a general T-shape with
the handle 12.

[0072] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 illustrating the cleaning head 14 positioned in
the storage position where the cleaning head is positioned generally
parallel to the handle 12.

[0073]FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of an
eighth embodiment of the apparatus 800. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. The apparatus 800
replaces spray nozzle 20 with spray nozzle 820 which is positioned on the
cleaning head 814 for movement therewith. Pivot coupling 13 is replaced
with pivot coupling 813 including a fluid passage way 815 extending
therethrough and connecting the spray nozzle 820 with the pump 20 and
container 16. The cleaning head 814 is shown in the in-use position.

[0074]FIG. 15 is diagrammatic partial front cross sectional view of the
apparatus 800 of FIG. 14 illustrating the cleaning head 814 in the
storage position.

[0075]FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
ninth embodiment of the apparatus 900. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus 900
includes a cleaning head 914 of an alternative arrangement having an
integral cleaning implement 32 and squeegee blade 34 as depicted.

[0076]FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
tenth embodiment of the apparatus 1000. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus 1000
includes a cleaning head 1014 of yet and additional alternative
arrangement having a cleaning implement 1032 and being devoid of a
squeegee blade. Cleaning implement 1032 includes a base 1060 of a
flexible sponge and a replaceable covering 1062.

[0077]FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
eleventh embodiment of the apparatus 1100. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus 1100
includes a cleaning head 1114 of yet and additional alternative
arrangement having a first cleaning implement 1132 and a second cleaning
implement 1133. Cleaning implements 1132 and 1133 are positioned on
opposite sides of the cleaning head 1114. Each of the cleaning implements
1132 and 1133 are similar to the cleaning implement 32 as discussed and
shown above which includes base 60 and replaceable covering 62.

[0078]FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
twelfth embodiment of the apparatus 1200. The same reference numbers, as
employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus 1200
includes a cleaning head 1214 of yet and additional alternative
arrangement having including a cleaning implement 1232 in the form of a
bristle brush.

[0079]FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
thirteenth embodiment of the apparatus 1300. The same reference numbers,
as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. Apparatus 1300
includes a cleaning head 1314 of yet and additional alternative
arrangement having including a cleaning implement 1332 in the form of a
bristle brush and being devoid of a squeegee blade. Here, the cleaning
head 1314 is fixed with the handle 1312 and does not pivot or fold.

[0080]FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
additional accessory attachment 120 exploded from end portion 36.
Accessory attachment 120 is in the form of a scraper blade and includes a
body 122 having attached thereto a blade 124 suitable for scraping
surfaces. Accessory attachment 120 is attached to handle 12 in the same
manner as the prior accessory attachments as discussed and shown above.

[0081]FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of an
fourteenth embodiment of the apparatus 1400. The same reference numbers,
as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. The apparatus 1400 is
similar to apparatus 500 as discussed above and includes an integral
container 1416 formed into handle 1412. A dip tube 1402 extends the
length of the handle 1412 exteriorly of the container 1416 and is
fluidically connected at end 1406 to container 1416 at the bottom
thereof. Opposite end 1408 of the dip tube 1402 includes a pump 1420. The
pump 1420 connects the container dip tube 1402 to a spray nozzle 21
through which the cleaning fluid held within the container 1416 is
dispensed from during operation of the pump.

[0082] The pump 1420 includes a pump actuator 1422 that mechanically
drives the pump. A solenoid 1424 operatively engages the pump actuator
1422 for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the
container 1416. The solenoid 1424 is electrically connected to a power
source, such as batteries 26 held within the handle 1412. A switch 28
electrically connects the solenoid 1424 and the power source 26 for
selectively supplying power to the solenoid. A trigger assembly 30 may be
included and mounted to the handle 1412. The trigger assembly 30
operatively engages the switch 28 for selective operation thereof.

[0083]FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic partial side cross sectional view of a
fifteenth embodiment of the apparatus 1500. The same reference numbers,
as employed in the prior embodiments, will refer to the same parts, and
explanation thereof in detail will be omitted here. The apparatus 1500 is
similar to apparatus 1400 as discussed above and includes an integral
container 1516 formed into handle 1512. A dip tube 1502 extends the
length of the handle 1512 exteriorly of the container 1516 and is
fluidically connected at end 1506 to container 1516 at the bottom
thereof. Opposite end 1508 of the dip tube 1502 includes a pump 1520. The
pump 1520 connects the container dip tube 1502 to a spray nozzle 21
through which the cleaning fluid held within the container 1516 is
dispensed from during operation of the pump.

[0084] The pump 1520 includes a pump actuator 1522 that mechanically
drives the pump. A motor 1524 operatively engages the pump actuator 1522
for operation thereof to dispense the cleaning fluid held within the
container 1516. The motor 1524 is electrically connected to a power
source, such as batteries 26 held within the handle 1512. A switch 28
electrically connects the motor 1524 and the power source 26 for
selectively supplying power to the motor 1524. A trigger assembly 30 may
be included and mounted to the handle 1512. The trigger assembly 30
operatively engages the switch 28 for selective operation thereof.

[0085] A number of embodiments of the present invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.